Davante Adams’ tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders may be nearing an end. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has reported that Adams has expressed a desire to be traded. He noted that while “nothing is imminent,” this request sets the stage for a potential departure from the team, as indicated by colleague Mike Garafolo.
Additionally, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that the Raiders would be open to trading Adams if they can secure a trade package that includes a second-round pick and other valuable assets.
Adams’ trade request surfaced just a day after an Instagram account affiliated with Raiders coach Antonio Pierce liked a post suggesting the team would be willing to trade the seasoned receiver under the right circumstances. When asked about the situation on Kay Adams’ “Up and Adams” show on FanDuel TV, Adams mentioned that he had not discussed the post with Pierce and remained tight-lipped about his future with the Raiders. “All I can control is this talk we’re having right here,” he said. “After we’re done with this, all I control is the next thing I’m going to do.”
As a result, Adams has emerged as a noteworthy trade candidate in the NFL, although potential obstacles include his health and contract details.
Adams missed the Raiders’ narrow 20-16 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 4 due to a hamstring injury, which is currently classified as “week-to-week,” suggesting it may not be a long-lasting concern. In the first three weeks of the season, he recorded 18 receptions for 209 yards and one touchdown, establishing himself as Gardner Minshew’s primary target without showing signs of injury.
Contractually, Adams is in the third year of a five-year, $140 million agreement he signed with the Raiders in 2022. A team acquiring him would need to pay the remaining prorated portion of his $16.89 million salary for the 2024 season, alongside his non-guaranteed base salaries of $35.64 million for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. His salary decreases by $938,333 for each game he plays with the Raiders.
Should a trade occur, the Raiders would face a dead-money charge of $7.85 million in 2024 and $15.7 million in 2025. Any team that successfully acquires Adams is likely to negotiate an extension or restructure his contract to manage future salary cap implications, potentially complicating the transaction, especially if the acquiring team has limited salary cap space for 2024.